Celiac Disease Foundation CEO Marilyn Geller proudly represented the Foundation and North America at the 37th Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) Annual Conference in Brussels, Belgium. As the North American liaison to AOECS, the Foundation joined leaders from around the world to drive global collaboration in research, education, and advocacy for people with celiac disease.
Building a Global Voice for Celiac Disease
The AOECS Annual Conference brings together national celiac organizations from across Europe and worldwide to share breakthroughs, align international standards, and strengthen the global gluten-free community. As a sponsor and the North American representative, the Celiac Disease Foundation’s attendance advanced our mission to ensure every person with celiac disease can thrive, no matter where they live.
“It’s inspiring to see the global commitment to improving the lives of people with celiac disease,” said Marilyn Geller, CEO of the Celiac Disease Foundation. “Together, we’re moving toward a future of better understanding, better food safety, and ultimately, better health outcomes.”
Advancing Science: Four Groundbreaking Research Posters
The Foundation showcased four original scientific posters, each highlighting new insights into celiac disease research, awareness, and lived experience:
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- Characterization of Patients Registered into the iCureCeliac® Database – A Descriptive Analysis: An analysis of more than 15,000 patient records revealed important patterns in demographics, diagnosis, and comorbidities to fuel data-driven research and global advocacy efforts.
- Perception vs. Reality: Public Knowledge and Misconceptions About Celiac Disease: This study uncovered widespread public misconceptions about celiac disease, emphasizing the need for continued education and awareness to combat misinformation.
- A Deletion of Wheat Alpha-Gliadins from Chromosome 6D Eliminates Major Celiac Disease Epitopes and Improves Breadmaking Quality: In partnership with the University of California, Davis, this innovative research explored how selective wheat gene editing could remove celiac-triggering proteins while preserving baking performance – a potential game-changer for the gluten-free future.
- Navigating Celiac Disease in College: Results from a National Student Survey: This national survey shed light on the barriers college students with celiac disease face from dining halls to housing and highlighted the urgent need for better institutional policies to support the gluten-free diet on campus.
A Proud Sponsor for Global Progress
Sponsoring the 2025 AOECS Annual Conference reinforced the Celiac Disease Foundation’s dedication to global collaboration and patient-centered progress to help move us closer to a cure. Our sponsorship reflects the Foundation’s belief that science, advocacy, and community must work hand in hand to create meaningful change – and that the patient voice remains central to every discussion.
Looking Ahead
Through our participation in the AOECS Annual Conference, the Foundation reaffirmed our commitment to accelerating research, strengthening education, and empowering celiac disease patients around the world. We are proud to work together with AOECS to bridge international efforts and champion unified global progress toward greater visibility, understanding and, ultimately, a cure for celiac disease.